One man in top form at the 27th Kings Head Canter 5K, on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August 2025, was Jimmy The Snaps. Jim Holden, the local photographer, has been telling stories through photos for the 27-year history of the race that started as a training run between two Sussex pubs. Jim's photo above shows Hastings Runners members Sue Palmer and Nancy Aldred sharing the joy of finishing together in 33:01.

From the Six Bells in Chiddingly to the Kings Head in East Hoathly is exactly 4,980 metres, with around 20 metres of ascent – most notably on Allies Lane at halfway – on the undulating route. Race Director Stuart Mills has retained the slightly short course measurement to preserve the course records – 14:58 by Kevin Moore (Brighton & Hove AC) in 2019 and 17:10 by Caroline Hoyte (Arena 80) in 2002. Those records came under fire as the exceptional Bank Holiday weather was enjoyed by the 286 finishers in the restricted entry event.

This year's tail finisher was East Hoathly resident David Dobbs, a regular participant who first ran in 2006 when he set his PB of 35:51, aged 65. His times have gradually slowed, and he missed going under 60 minutes for the first time this year. RD Stuart Mills said, "David is setting a great example in that even though one may get a little slower as the years progress, it is the participating that really counts, which is well worth celebrating!"

At the sharp end of the field, East Hoathly resident Max Walker (Army AA, 15:09) – in the third fastest time ever at the Kings Head Canter 5K – was only 11 seconds outside the course record as he won for the third year in a row. Two more men went under 16 minutes: James Turner (Brighton & Hove AC, 15:41) and George Mallett (Hercules Wimbledon AC, 15:56).

Milly Dickinson's (Brighton Phoenix, 17:48) time was the fastest women's winning time since 2017, just 38 seconds behind the course record. Izzy Coomber (Lewes AC, 17:56) and Laura Smith (Brighton Phoenix AC, 18:24) were the female runners-up.

This race also rewards the top age-graded runners. The best score was an amazing 97.1% achieved by W60 category winner Geraldine Moffat (Brighton & Hove City AC, 19:19) – one of almost 60 runners who beat the 20-minute barrier.

But perhaps the best reward was the free pint of 1648 Brewing Company craft ale (or soft drink alternative) in exchange for a used Kings Head Canter 5K race number at the finish!

Results and race reports are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy of Jimmy The Snaps for Kings Head Canter 5K